Recommender and Reference Resources

As a teacher or counselor, you can provide valuable insights into students' academic performance and/or personal character through a recommendation or reference. Recommendations and references are important parts of the application review process, and are submitted via unique links emailed to you once you are registered as the student’s recommender or reference. We greatly appreciate the time that you take to submit materials for your students. Thank you!

Learn more about what has been asked of you as a recommender or reference by clicking on the appropriate table below.

If you have been asked to complete a School Report for a student applying to the National College Match, review the information below to learn more.

What do I need to do?

Applicants need to obtain a School Report, which is the counselor recommendation. If your student has registered you as their counselor in their application, this means that you’ve been asked to complete this School Report and submit materials on their behalf.

When do I need to submit the School Report?

See our National College Match Dates & Deadlines.

How do I complete the School Report?

If your student registers you as their School Official, you should receive an email from QuestBridge with a unique link to complete the recommendation form.

If you’ve been asked to complete a recommendation or reference for a student, review the information below specific to the QuestBridge application that the student is completing.

College Prep Scholars Program

For high school juniors

National College Match

For high school seniors

What do I need to do?

Applicants need to obtain one reference from a high school teacher in a core academic subject, preferably from 10th or 11th grade.

If your student has provided your information as a reference, this means that QuestBridge, our college partners, or our scholarship partners may reach out to you in the future to gain more insight into their achievements in and outside of the classroom. You do not need to write a letter of recommendation or take any other action unless later requested.

Applicants need to obtain two recommendations from high school teachers in core academic subjects, preferably from 11th grade.

If your student has registered you as a recommender in their application, this means that you’ve been asked to complete a short from and write a letter of recommendation on their behalf.

When do I need to submit the recommendation or reference?

In early April, you may receive an email requesting you to complete a short form that should take less than 10 minutes to complete. This form will be due in mid-April.

Please note that being selected or not being selected to submit a reference does not reflect your student's chances of being named a College Prep Scholar.

See our National College Match Dates & Deadlines.

How do I complete the recommendation or reference?

If you are selected to provide a reference for your student, QuestBridge will contact you directly via email. The email will include a unique link through which you can complete the form. If you experience any technical issues with accessing the form, please email [email protected] for support.

Shortly after your student registers you as a recommender in their application, you should receive an email from QuestBridge with a unique link to complete the recommendation form.

What makes a strong recommendation or reference?

One of the goals of a recommendation or reference is to help us and our college partners understand a student as a person and how they contribute to their community. Strong recommendations or references can differentiate a student from a large pool of applicants. When commenting on a student's qualities, we encourage you to be specific, providing examples or stories when applicable.

Focusing on the student's personal qualities, work in class, or engagement with the school community will help to paint a fuller picture of who they are outside of their grades and test scores. Providing context about the school environment, opportunities available to students, and/or restrictions related to course offerings will help round out the reader's understanding of the student's experience. Review our AskQB article to learn more about what student traits or characteristics we encourage you to share.

Resources

Watch our QuestTips video to learn more about how National College Match recommendations are submitted:

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